Free CPR class in Marion this February, sign up early to gaurantee your spot

Emergency response vehicles are parked outside of the new Marion Fire Department Station #1 in August. The station will be the site of a free CPR class on Feb. 19. Spots are limited and early sign-up is encouraged. (The Gazette)

MARION — The Rotary Club of Linn County and the Marion Fire Department are hosting a Community CPR Training Class on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the new headquarters for the Marion Fire Department, 100 Irish Dr. The training is free to Marion residents, ages 16 and older, as a service to the community. Enrollment is limited, so only early enrollees are guaranteed a spot. Visit rotarylc.org and follow the links to CPR Training (in the event calendar) to enroll. The class will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at noon. Multiple family members may enroll as long as space allows.

If someone has a heart attack or an injury that stops their blood flow, the first 10 minutes make all the difference in saving their life. If proper CPR is started, the odds of a positive outcome are increased about 10-fold.

Kale McBurney, training chief for the Marion Fire Department, said that under the best of circumstances, it often takes longer than five minutes for paramedics to arrive at a scene where lifesaving measures are needed. That’s why the department is urging for more people in the community to be trained in CPR and ready to act.

“Early CPR on a victim is what helps save a life,” McBurney said. “It makes our job easier when we get there. It’s a game-changer.”

He points to a recent incident at an area sporting event where a man suddenly went into cardiac arrest. Two bystanders stepped in and began CPR until paramedics arrived, saving the man’s life.

The community CPR training is free, but those who need Heartsaver certification from the American Heart Association will have to pay that fee ($25) on training day. Infant CPR and AED (defibrillator) training will be part of the class.

“One of the focal missions of our Rotary Club is making our communities safer and healthier for all residents. Getting more people trained in lifesaving CPR skills is one way we can do that,” said Michelle Bell, Rotary Club of Linn County President. “Area businesses, churches, schools, senior citizen gathering places, government offices, or other places where people meet should have people trained in CPR. We’re very happy we can help make this happen.”

This will be the fifth year the Rotary Club has facilitated free Community CPR classes, after a one-year pause due to COVID-19. The previous classes in Mount Vernon trained a total of 120 people in lifesaving CPR skills.

Enough CPR training mannequins and fire department trainers will be available for a class size of 40 people. Early preregistration will help you get a spot.

About the Marion Fire Department

The mission of the Marion Fire Department is to protect life and property for the City and Township of Marion through the rapid and effective delivery of fire suppression and rescue forces, emergency medical services, and fire prevention activities. MFD is passionate about being an active participant in the community through outreach and preventive public education. To learn more, visit cityofmarion.org.

About the Rotary Club of Linn County

The Rotary Club of Linn County is a service organization made up of neighbors, friends, and community leaders who have a common interest in creating positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. To learn more, visit rotarylc.org.